Hometown
Tomelilla, Sweden
Current Residence
Lund, Sweden
Graduate Degree
PhD in Developmental Biology
Current Position
Professor of Cellular Neuroscience, Lund University;
NYSCF Robertson Investigator | |
What is the current focus of your research, and what do you find most rewarding about your work?
My group works with translational stem cell biology. The focus of my research is to understand cell fate specification in the developing brain and in human neural progenitor cells using cell-based models of neuronal differentiation. Our current focus is to learn how to direct and efficiently drive controlled differentiation of human stem cells into subtype-specific neurons. We also develop technologies for direct conversion of human fibroblasts into functional and subtype-specific neurons in vitro, and the conversion of endogenous glia into neurons in vivo.
The ultimate aim is to develop these cells and technologies for use in brain repair, with focus on Parkinson’s disease. And we are rapidly approaching this! We are right now part of a clinical EU funded trial, TRANSEURO, where we are transplanting patients using fetal cells and we hope to start out first stem cell based trial within 2 years.
What led you to become a scientist and to stem cell research?
A good combination of curiosity and chance. I did my undergraduate degree in Canada and being on a student VISA I could only work on campus. I got my first job to feed the sea urchins at the Department of Biology, and soon got involved in a project studying gastrulation. From the day I set foot in the lab I loved every bit of it! I have always been curious and the project was a great introduction to science. Sea Urchins have large transparent embryos so you could actually see gastrulation going on live in the microscope. I have also always loved the practical work in the lab.
For my degree project I worked on hematopoietic stem cells at the Terry Fox Laboratory. That was a great, great place to work and after that year there was no other career choice for me than science.
How do you spend your free time?
I spend most of my time with my family and whenever we can we do active things together. Running, skiing, hiking, snorkeling etc. And I love traveling (but hate flying).
What is something your peers would be surprised to learn about you?
I am great at classic computer games! Can still keep a game of Tetris going for hours and hours.
What do you value most about your membership with the ISSCR?
It is a great society to be a member of. What I value most is how ISSCR brings together the global community on stem cell related topics.